Phone: 207-367-5891 Cell: 207-266-4327 Email: harbormaster@stoningtonmaine.org VHF: Channel 16 Red Tide Hotline: 1-800-232-4733 Related Documents: Shellfish Ordinance Clam License Application 2022 Other Resources: The Maine Shellfish Handbook Interactive DMR Shellfish Map The shellfish conservation program for the town will be administered by the Shellfish Conservation Commission, consisting of five (5) members. Clams shall not be sold. Maine is home to some of the best clamming spots in the country. Box 875. Maine is home to some of the best clamming spots in the country. If a one quart sample contains more than 220 periwinkles, they are considered undersize. On the northern beaches, razor clam beds are exposed at any time of the day or night by a minus tide. Native Americans:The commissioner shall issue a complimentary lifetime hunting, archery, trapping and fishing license, including permits and other permissions needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a person, who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, if the person presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that they are an enrolled member of that federally recognized nation, band or tribe. Maine Clamming: Get Your License Before You Dig Be aware of rules for clamming, including time limits (usually daytime only) and limits on catch size and the size of the animal. The towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport & Edgecomb have a joint shellfish management plan. A valid Visa or MasterCard only GET STARTED NOW: * Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to provide a valid driver license number of your parent or guardian. Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 Overall Quota - 620. Digging Clams in Downeast Maine - Where to dig, licenses Mussels can be harvested all year and are regulated by DMR only, they are not regulated by towns and recreational licenses are not required. (a) Limit: Ten of each species, except in the redwood Bay, is permitted; however, no more than 25 gaper clams may be taken or possessed. If you are in doubt as to the status of a particular shellfish harvesting area or cannot access the DMR online map, contact the Harbormaster at 207-288-5571, Town Clerk, or Maine DMR. Harvest season is year-round, peak is May through October. Student Licenses. If you find clams on the beach, you can keep them as long as you have a permit. Bar Harbor Shellfishing & Clamming. Report lost or found dogs to Yarmouth Police Department at 846-3333. All rights reserved. Call 207-380-5635 if you want to talk to someone. Surf clams are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. There is no permit required to dig for clams in Maine. They have two rough, whitish, irregular shells. The soft shell clams can be found on the East Coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. European oysters are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. In order to get a clamming license in Maine, you must first obtain a Maine saltwater fishing license. The best time for clam picking is in the early summer, just before spawning in July-August. Licenses are issued annually starting July 1 and are valid through June 30. Fats, Oils & Grease in the Collection System, Organic Lawn and Garden Care Alternatives, Growth Map Modification Policy Final 02/2021, State Comments on 2030 Comp Plan Kennebunkport, Tree Removal, Maintenance and Planting Policy, Project Overview - Kennebunkport Crossroads, Village Parcel Final Report Appendix Only - 7/7/2020, Village Parcel Master Plan Visioning Session Questionnaire Results, Pending Zoning Board of Appeals Applications. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Lights To Use For Razor Clamming At Night, Mussels: A Safe Delicacy During Breastfeeding, Both Of These Muscles Work Together To Create The Movement Of The Jaw, Why Do Fresh Water Clams Have White Spots, 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Calm During A Severe Storm. A ten quart pail filled to within one inch of the rim is approximately one peck of clams. ) The fishing is free for Shellfishers over the age of 70. Maine Lobster Boat Racing: Be a Spectator! A permanent clam/oyster license is available at no charge to all New Hampshire residents age 68 or older (at Fish and Game headquarters or Regional Offices 1, 2, and 4 only). This subsection does not authorize the person accompanying and assisting the licensee to assist that licensee with more than one fishing rod and reel. Residents pay $50, while those over 62 receive a free ride. Phone: 207-725-6658, City Clerk, City Hall, 205 Main Street Anglers who do not live in Maine and use a rod, reel, or trap as bait must obtain a saltwater fishing permit. There are also size and volume limits for all shellfish can be found at this webpage: Commercial shellfish harvesters must have a valid State of Maine Commercial Shellfish License to do any commercial harvesting of shellfish. Other names: eastern oyster, Virginia oyster, common oyster. Crystal Hitchings, Bold Coast Scenic Byway in the true Downeast Maine, from Milbridge to Eastport. For Freeport residents of 12 months or more & Freeport property owners- limited to 180 licenses. You will only damage them if you do not force them open. The annual permit fee for residents is $10; the application fee shall serve as the permit fee for residents if a resident mooring permit is granted. They are distinguished by their long thin shells. Who do I contact to register my vehicle in Bar Harbor? Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. The purpose is to work towards eliminating predators that are destroying the soft shell clams. A Resident License is only valid while residing in Town. (obtained from agent who issued original). Are clams legally extracted in Maine? 6. This season for soft shell clams runs from May to October and is seasonal. In the order of largest to smallest, these clams are called: quahogs (chowderhogs), cherrystones, topnecks, littlenecks, and countnecks. First, you will need a shovel. See theShellfish Ordinancefor more details. In the Damariscotta River, Sheepscot River, and New Meadows Lakes; there is a Vibrio Control Plan in place that closes recreational harvest from May 1st to October 31st each year. Towns may occasionally close shellfish beds for conservation of the resource or because of polluted waters. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. After removing the top shell, you can use the knife to pry open the bottom half of the shell. Fees are not charged to people over the age of 70 or to children under the age of 13. EEEEE, 15 (AMD).] Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. To dig clams, you will need a few things. TM 1996-2023 Mystic Media, Inc. & Visit New England. The New England Fishery Management Council is in charge of the deep-sea red crab fishery. A seasonal permit costs $30 for Maine residents and $60 for non-residents. Shellfish under age 18A $ 67 Comm. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has a process for licensing and permitting individuals to harvest clams. Other names: flat oyster, Belons, mud oyster, edible oyster, Photo Credit: Natureinfocus.wordpress.com. When it comes to hard and soft-shell clams, East Coast foragers and seafood lovers turn to them the most. All flats bordering the Wolfs Neck State Park are under the jurisdiction of the Freeport Shellfish Conservation Ordinance. This license must be obtained at the main office in Augusta. The good news is that getting a license is easy and only costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Ordinances & Maps Town of Cutler, Maine Shellfish Warden | Town of Stonington, Maine Purchase a license during office hours at any of the four town halls and bring it with you when you arrive at the clerks office. A license is not only required to dig for clams, but also to possess them. What you need to know about Shellfish Licenses Maine in Bloom: Experience a Variety of Maritime Gardens, Maines Maritime Museums: Troves of Treasures to Explore, Road Trip: Exploring Lighthouses in Maine. The license allows the harvest of one peck of clams per day for personal use only. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. There also is a one-day recreational shellfishing license. Licenses are available in the Town Clerk's office 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or by mail with a completed Shellfish License Application. Hinge width is measured at the thickest part of the clam near where the shells are joined together. If you want to get a little more out of your clams, you can buy a variety of licenses. Licenses will be available for purchase at Town Hall beginning Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 B. There are 55 recreational licenses available to Kennebunkport residents at a cost of $15.00 and 25 senior (over 65) resident licenses available at no charge. Business Licenses & Permits - Scarborough, Town of Check all licenses requested and indicate whether it is a renewal or new license. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has an online interactive map with all of the shellfish closures listed as a layer in the map. Adult waved whelks are two to four inches in length and are found sub tidally. The Maine Shellfish Sanitation Hotline number is 800-232-4733. Many towns have a lot of it for visitors to try. Shellfish Conservation Mngmnt All rights reserved. Phone: 207-288-5571. Home Fishing & Boating Fishing Laws & Rules License Requirements and Fees. Hinge width is measured at the thickest part of the clam near where the shells are joined together. Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. Maine is home to many different types of clams, making it a popular destination for recreational clamming. Dont Wait for Your Ship to Come In, Build it Yourself! When Do You Need To File A 1099-MISC Form For Clam Shells. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Lights To Use For Razor Clamming At Night, Mussels: A Safe Delicacy During Breastfeeding, Both Of These Muscles Work Together To Create The Movement Of The Jaw, Why Do Fresh Water Clams Have White Spots, 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Calm During A Severe Storm. Application period opens up on the first business day in June; first come, first served. Maine Resident Military Currently Stationed Anywhere:Residents who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed outside of Maine may purchase either a hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing license for the Maine Resident Serviceman combination price upon verification that Maine is their home of record and that they are permanently stationed outside of Maine. John Hentzs job is to make sure that no one digs for contaminated clams. If properly stored, oysters can grow to be 8 to 10 days old outside of the water, clams can grow to be 5 to 6 days old, and mussels can grow to be 2 to 3 days old. The license includes a dog training and hunting permit which must be obtained through the MDIFW Augusta office via phone, email, mail, or in-person. Shellfish Season: The State of Maine has opened the clam flats in Biddeford for year-round harvesting from June 1st to May 31st. License fees are non-refundable. Other names: northern whelk, edible whelk, European whelk. 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To learn more about clam digging past and present, check out the Downeast Fisheries Trail. Application period opens up on the first business day in June; first come, first served. In order to harvest clams in Maine, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Marine Resources. Once established and growing, it stays permanently attached to the same site for the rest of its life. Common Periwinkles grow to 11/4 inches in length. Their hours are 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. 3-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. The rakes teeth should not be more than one inch below the surface. Municipal Shellfish Program - Harpswell, Maine ResidentRecreational$16.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee), Non-ResidentRecreational$27.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee), 3 DayRecreational$ 20.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee). Maine clamming season is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh seafood. The Best Places To Go Clamming In Maine | AnchorAndHopeSF Clams for supper! The ME-NH trawl survey provides valuable information for the management of important commercially . It is a requirement in Maine for fishermen to have a license to harvest lobster and crab. Nicholas Upham is the Shellfish Warden. Your investment in a lifetime license for yourself or as a gift, will allow the bearer to fish, trap, and/ or hunt for their lifetime, regardless of where they will live in the future. Town of Kennebunkport, PO Box 566, 6 Elm Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 PH: (207) 967-4243 FAX: (207) 967-8470Town Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Website Disclaimer | Government Websites by CivicPlus | Site Map, *LD 290 - Stabilization of Property Taxes - Application and Guidance*, **Short Term Rental - FAQS and THINGS TO REMEMBER, FEMA 2017: Preliminary Maps & Information, Local Property Tax Assistance Application, Local Property Tax Assistance Information, District 2 - Cape Porpoise & Wildes District, Cape Porpoise Pier Rules Adopted 11-13-2014, Complaints against employees of the Kennebunkport Police Department, Updated: Posted Roads - February 27, 2023until April 3, 2023, Kennebunk High School Accreditation Report, Trash & Recycling Pickup 2023 Printable Calendar. The deep-sea red crab fishery of the New England Fishery Management Council is overseen by the Council. Nonresident Commercial Shellfish License Fee: $402.00 For rules and regulations please visit here Recreational Shellfish License They can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly on the Pacific Coast, in Alaska, Washington, California, and Western Europe. After you hear or feel the scraping of the shell, gently rake the sand about one inch below the surface. A recreational shellfish license holder will not need to issue a license to a child under the age of 12. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. After finding and digging your first few clams, youll notice that there are air holes all over the place. ), and fireworks. Brunswick, ME License Fees: Resident Commercial $230.00 Non-Resident Commercial $430.00 Resident Recreational $16.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee) Without a permit, you are not allowed to keep any clams you find. Without a license, you could be fined up to $500. The license is good for one year period beginning the first Monday in April. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: For additional information, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office (207) 730-4000 or complete our online contact form. Surf clams also known as hen clams are very large and fast growing clams which can grow to 8 inches or more and weigh over a pound. Clams should not be kept sealed in plastic or covered with tape. Pounds Reported - 619.04. Recreational clams diggers are only allowed to catch one peck of clams per day. A saltwater fishing license from another state is only required for those who are not Maine residents and are fishing from a rod, reel, or trap. A permit is also required in order to dig for clams in Maine. Under the Municipal Shellfish Management Program, the Town has maintained the authority to place limits on the amount of licenses issued, the opening and closing of mud flats . Shellfish Licenses will be sold Monday, November 1, 2022 in the Dunaway Community Center, 23 School Street at 8 am. Applicants must present a copy of their application to the clerk in person. The fee for obtaining an Excavating License is $125. After a few minutes on a falling tide, youll have a delicious meal. Join our email list to stay updated on all things Maine; food & drink, events & festivals, home & garden and much more. Despite the fact that their populations have declined over the last few decades, diggers can still find enough clams to feed a large crowd at most Southern California beaches. My father used one of these, and a wooden slatted basket called a roller. Note: Not all town clerks issue nonresident licenses. Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. DMR License Renewal and Application FAQ; Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions; Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety . Clam landings drastically declined across Maine in the 1980s, especially in Washington County. Razor clams are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Shellfish Licenses | Brunswick, ME Be sure to check the tides and weather before heading out, as both can affect your success. Non-resident commercial sales made up $4300.00 of the total. 4-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. To read the entire Town of Deer Isle Shellfish Conservation Ordinance, click on the link below. Flat Opening/Closings The open clamming areas in Bar Harbor are described and mapped on the following documents provided by the Maine Department of Marine Resources: Closure Document for Area EI Closure Map for Area EI Closure Document for Area EG Closure Map for Area EG Mahogany quahogs are fished for by vessels with bottom drag gear and regulated by DMR and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Fifth, you will need a coolers to keep the clams alive and fresh. According to the spokesman, the goal of this initiative is to prevent contaminated shellfish from ever entering the market. Applicants must appear in person to fill out an application. Shellfish may be harvested from the shores and flats of Kennebunkport on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from April 15th thru February 15th with a limit of one peck per week. If youre looking for a different type of clam, the bay is a good place to start. A person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the non-resident license fee. ** Maine resident permanently stationed outside the state of Maine. A person who does not reside in Maine and wishes to fish for saltwater must have a valid saltwater fishing license from another state or a valid state permit. In Searsport, you can buy a 3 day recreational license for a mere $15 (granting the rights to dig for one peck of clams each day) and head out to the flats on Sears Island for a day of digging in the mud and wading in the watermiles of undeveloped shore land waiting for you to explore! Most fishermen can take a bushel or two a day, depending on where they live. A person who wants to “day trip” from outside of Town must purchase a Non . Today, the clamming industry is kept alive by the careful management of coastal Maine communities, including the seeding of clams to enhance wild stocks. Effective January 1, 2019, Alien licenses will no longer be available. Clam digging can take place all year, but from April to September, the best time to dig is early summer. Cleansing of clams may only be done in open areas. Clam knives, which are specialized blades with rounded tips that slide into the narrow gaps between shells, are the most effective way to open them. Quick Links. Town Clerk, 263 Mountain Road The peak of the Soft Shell Clams Harvest season is between May and October. Commercial Non-Resident $1,500. License Requirements and Fees - Maine In order to apply for a new license or renew a license with the system, you first need to create a login for LEEDS Frequently Asked Questions The map can be accessed here: Although we attempt to keep all the information on the town's website up to date and as accurate as possible, there are situations where emergency closures are imposed due to Red Tide and heavy rainfall. However, harvest can only occur at approved locations (see below) and are generally limited to daylight hours. Licensing events are held between June 1 and May 31 in the United States. Please keep in mind that depending on how you want to participate or be safe, you may need to call the Shellfish Hotline or visit the town website for information on how to get in on the action. The Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education located on Beals Island, raises between three and five million seed clams annually for 60 Maine communities. Licenses can also be obtained by completing and mailing in theapplication form (PDF). A shellfish license is required to take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor. After a few, gently place them in your bucket (or basket), top off with fresh water, and then return to the beach. The number of non-resident commercial licenses available is adjusted annually by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. These licenses can be obtained at Maine Bureau of Veterans Services Central Office located at (Camp Keyes) 194 Winthrop Street Augusta, ME 04333 or emailing mainebvs@maine.gov Any person wishing to dig shellfish must possess a shellfish license. Im digging for clams to steam for tonights supper on the beachalthough you dont have to dig in the mud with your bare hands, like I do! If youre looking to find clams, make sure you know where the tide is. The process includes completing an application, paying a fee, and passing a criminal background check. Every day, the National Ocean Service publishes data on tidal currents. You simply need knowledge and a low-cost license to start working with them. Clamming is a vital part of Maines economy, and careful management of coastal communities is essential to the industrys survival, including the seeding of clams to improve wild stocks. Remaining Quota - 0.96. Maine Shellfishing locations, regulations, licenses and permits, equipment For more information about the Lifetime License Program, please call (207) 287-8000. Phone: 207-571-0700, Town Hall, 93 Cottage Street Yard Waste - How do I dispose of leaves, brush and grass clippings? For example, there is a license required for those wishing to harvest soft-shell clams, but not for those wishing to harvest hard-shell clams. The holder of an enhanced retail certificate may, in the retail trade within the state limits, buy, sell, transport, ship or serve: A. Shellstock bought from a commercial shellfish license holder . Although the town has a limited number of licenses available for purchase, the status of each license is always updated on the town website. Anglers of all skill levels must have a saltwater fishing license, regardless of whether they are using a rod, reel, or trap. In the Damariscotta River, Sheepscot River, and New Meadows Lakes; there is a Vibrio Control Plan in place that closes recreational harvest from May 1st to October 31st each year. We ate a lot of clams in the 1970s, and they were also a lot more plentiful then. To learn more about how to experience digging and eating clams while on your visit to Downeast Maine (even if you want to skip the mud and just eat them at a restaurant! Every day, a recreational harvest limit of three bushels per person is imposed. They are effective July 1 through June 30. There are numerous breathtaking views and lighthouses to be found along the Bold Coast region of Maine. Theres a good chance youll catch a clam-digging dog or a human who does. Clams can be found in many different parts of the state, so there is sure to be a spot near you to go and dig for clams. Third, you will need a pair of gloves. A non-resident between 18 and 24 enrolled full-time in a college in Maine may be eligible for a resident rate license for fishing, hunting, & trapping. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. The inside scoop on how to dig for clams in Maine - Bangor Daily News shellfish - Harpswell, Maine